VS
At a Glance
Power
148kW@7800
103 kW
Torque
193Nm@5600
142+e Nm
Fuel
9.3
4.0 l/100km
Towing
1400
—
0-100 km/h
6.6
—
Engine
1998
1798 cc
Choosing between the HONDA CIVIC and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HONDA CIVIC delivers 148kW@7800 while the Toyota Corolla produces 103 kW. On fuel, the CIVIC returns 9.3 while the Corolla uses 4.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 for the CIVIC and R601 100 for the Corolla. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
148kW@7800
103 kW
Torque
193Nm@5600
142+e Nm
0-100 kph
6.6
—
Top Speed
235
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998
1798 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3
4.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
43 l
CO2 Emissions
152
91 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275
4375 mm
Width
1785-2046
1790 mm
Height
1445
1480 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
—
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1322
1375 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
305- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400
—
Load Capacity
1352
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
VSA
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Corolla
Fuel Economy
Corolla
Value
CIVIC
Practicality
CIVIC
Pros & Cons
HONDA CIVIC
Lower starting price (R317 900)
Higher towing capacity (1400)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
No factory service plan
Toyota Corolla
Better fuel economy (4.0 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CIVIC or Corolla?
The CIVIC uses 9.3 and the Corolla uses 4.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CIVIC or Corolla?
The CIVIC produces 148kW@7800 and 193Nm@5600 of torque while the Corolla delivers 103 kW and 142+e Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CIVIC and Corolla?
The CIVIC starts from R317 900 and the Corolla from R601 100. The CIVIC is cheaper by R283 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CIVIC or Corolla?
The CIVIC has a braked towing capacity of 1400 and the Corolla can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CIVIC or the Corolla?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.